Scoring breakdown

Like a sportsperson with exquisite timing, Mazda's second-generation 6 upped and left the pitch with its form intact, retiring just four years into its life and well before anyone questioned whether it was still fit for the mid-sized caper.

In its place comes the new third-gen model promising more space, technology, refinement, driving flair and benchmark-setting economy credentials. Most of those claims, as we found when we tested a petrol sedan recently, aren't delusional.

Here, though, we're sampling the wagon, which is a 6 of a different feather. Unlike the US-oriented and now properly large sedan, it's designed for European tastes, has a shorter wheelbase and supposedly more responsive driving character.

The $38,800 Touring adds leather, Bose stereo, power seats, parking sensors and can also be had with a diesel engine ($41,650), which is probably the biggest reason you'd choose it over the petrol-only Sport. GT models ($44,250 petrol/$47,370 diesel) go even further with adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights, heated seats, sunroof and 19-inch alloys.

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We tested the range-topping Atenza ($48,110 petrol/$50,960 diesel), which takes the GT's lavish spec and crowns it with a serve of to-the-minute safety features that includes active cruise control, auto-brake function, auto high beams and a swag of warning systems to keep you out of harm's way (blindspot/lane-change/forward obstruction/rear cross-traffic). It would be an impressive list of features for a $100k-plus luxury contender, let alone a $50k wagon.

What's inside?

The sedan's longer wheelbase elevates it almost into large-car territory in terms of sprawling leg room. The wagon is noticeably tighter in this respect but still has enough space to accommodate a 183cm adult without fuss, and the comfy bench and addition of air vents are plusses.

Buyers after class-leading functionality might be disappointed by the boot, which is bigger than the sedan's but, at 451 litres, is not as capacious as a Ford Mondeo, Skoda Superb or VW Passat. You also have to cop a space-saver spare.

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But what real estate it proffers up is smartly packaged and – thanks to one-touch seat-folding and a luggage blind that retracts when you open the tailgate – is beautifully user-friendly.

With two-way steering adjustment, pamperingly supportive seats, a decent array of storage and simple touch-gear switchgear, it's also got the functional strengths to keep drivers of all shapes and sizes happy and comfortable.

Under the bonnet

The 6's 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine looks the goods on paper, matching the Passat's benchmark 130TDI drivetrain for power and economy while twisting out an even higher torque peak (a hearty 420Nm).

Hooked up to the mandatory and impressively adept six-speed auto, it delivers gutsy, flexible and totally effortless propulsion. It's satisfyingly clean revving for a diesel (within its obviously restrained limits), surprisingly quiet and beautifully linear, with power coming on in a graceful surge rather than like an on-off switch in some diesels.

Like other Mazdas that have received the SkyActiv treatment, the 6 gets a slew of fuel-saving technology, including class-first brake-energy regeneration and a slick auto start/stop system.

The result is a 5.4L/100km official economy rating for the diesel that puts it right at the top of its segment, though you won't get near that in purely urban driving. We averaged a respectable 6.6L/100km on our combined urban/highway test.

On the road

Like the sedan the new 6 wagon feels more grown-up, a little less lithe and a whole lot quieter than its notably noisy, nervy but satisfying predecessor.

But the load-lugger's shorter wheelbase, slightly more agile feel and more immediate steering response mean it lives up to its claim of being the more dynamic of the pair on the road.

By any standards it's a great drive. While the electric steering is duller than before it's still usefully faithful and transparent and the 6 carves up corners with a rare blend of agility, predictability and poise.

The Atenza's 19-inch tyres also deliver plenty of grip but the payoff is a more faithful (occasionally too faithful) reading of the road's niggles than beautifully supple, controlled 17-inch versions and a step-up in road noise that dilutes the refinement gains.

Verdict

There are other mid-sized wagons capable of cramming more into their boots than this Mazda and keeping rear occupants a little happier. And the Atenza's 19-inch wheels, while doing great things for looks and roadholding, impose a ride and road-noise penalty that partially erases refinement gains that are more obvious in smaller-wheeled models.

But Mazda's new wagon looks fantastic, goes well, drives beautifully and has a high-quality, user-friendly and undeniably handy cabin. It can't be faulted for economy or value and the Atenza's safety artillery goes well beyond $50k expectations (and its competitors).

There are many very good mid-sized wagons on sale right now but, in isolation at least, the new 6 makes a compelling case for being the best.